Jeremy Corbyn has led tributes to the oldest serving MP, Sir Gerald Kaufman, pictured, who has died at 86

Jeremy Corbyn has led tributes to the Father of the House of Commons, describing him as an "iconic and irascible" figure with "dandy clothes" who "loved life and politics".

Sir Gerald was first elected as Manchester Ardwick MP in 1970 before becoming Manchester Gorton MP after constituency boundary changes in 1983 until his death.

Mr Bercow gave a lengthy tribute to Sir Gerald at the start of business in the House of Commons this afternoon, telling MPs: "I will not pretend he was always the easiest of colleagues.

"If you were lauded or praised by Gerald, you doubtless took delight in the experience.

"If you were attacked or denounced by Gerald, you could be in no doubt on the matter.

"But there was that fidelity to principle, that commitment to causes, that insistence on doing his duty by his constituents, by his party and by his country."

He added Sir Gerald will be "mourned very widely".

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid added: "I was always grateful to (Sir Gerald) for showing us that it's possible for the children of immigrants to treasure their roots while still embracing their Britishness and the active role they can play in public life."

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His family announced his death "with great sadness", saying: "Sir Gerald had been suffering from a long-term illness for several months, but, in that time, remained firmly committed to, and focused on, the activities and wellbeing of his beloved constituency, which he had served since first elected in 1970."

They continued: "Sir Gerald dedicated his life to serving those who he believed would benefit most from a Labour government and Labour values in action.

"He believed that policy and principle without power were simply not enough to deliver the better life that he fought for on behalf of his constituents for almost 50 years.

"Though Sir Gerald had many friends and supporters in Manchester and across the world from his work on many campaigns and causes, he was in essence a private man."